Spine
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In vivo degenerative changes of rabbit intervertebral discs after partial disc replacements were evaluated radiologically and histologically in a controlled trial. ⋯ The antidegenerative effects of partial disc replacement surgery were demonstrated by quantitative radiologic and histologic analyses. Degeneration of the anulus fibrosus after the replacement treatment was delayed by preserving disc height and occupying the space of the nucleus pulposus. Properly designed implants and minimally invasive techniques are necessary for long-term success.
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We investigated involvement of EphB/ephrinB system in neuropathic pain. ⋯ Expression of ephrinB2 is enhanced by nerve injury in neurons in DRG and spinal cord, while its receptor EphB1 is expressed in spinal cord. These results suggest that induction of ephrinB2 might activate EphB1/ephrinB2 signaling pathway to regulate synaptic plasticity and reorganization, and that ephrinB2 siRNA could be a potential therapeutic agent for neuropathic pain.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Active exercise, education, and cognitive behavioral therapy for persistent disabling low back pain: a randomized controlled trial.
A randomized controlled trial. ⋯ This intervention program produces only modest effects in reducing LBP and disability over a 1-year period. The observation that patient preference for treatment influences outcome warrants further investigation.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Does shaving the incision site increase the infection rate after spinal surgery?
A prospective randomized clinical study. ⋯ The shaving of the incision site immediately before spinal surgery may increase the rate of postoperative infection.
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A case report. ⋯ This case confirms the existence and clinical relevance of the fourth column of the thoracic spine and its role in providing added spinal stability in the patient with ankylosing spondylitis. As such, it is still possible to achieve a favorable clinical outcome in a select subpopulation of patients with ankylosing spondylitis that sustain three-column flexion-distraction injuries who are neurologically intact and are not candidates for surgical stabilization.